how to schedule a call in asterisk using call file,How to Schedule a Call in Asterisk Using Call File

How to Schedule a Call in Asterisk Using Call File

Managing calls in an Asterisk-based system can be streamlined with the use of call files. These files allow you to automate and schedule calls, making it easier to handle multiple calls simultaneously. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of scheduling a call in Asterisk using call files, ensuring that you have a comprehensive understanding of the process.

Understanding Call Files

Before diving into the scheduling process, it’s essential to understand what call files are and how they work in Asterisk. A call file is a text file that contains instructions for Asterisk to execute. These instructions can include dialing a number, playing an announcement, and more. By creating a call file, you can automate various tasks, including scheduling calls.

Creating a Call File

Creating a call file is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to create a basic call file:

1. Open a text editor and create a new file.
2. Name the file with a .call extension, such as “schedule_call.call”.
3. Enter the instructions for the call. For example:

[default]exten => s,1,Dial(SIP/1234567,30)

This instruction tells Asterisk to dial the number SIP/1234567 with a timeout of 30 seconds. You can add more instructions to the file, such as playing an announcement or transferring the call to another extension.

Scheduling the Call

Once you have created the call file, you need to schedule the call. There are several methods to achieve this:

Using Asterisk’s built-in scheduler

Asterisk has a built-in scheduler that allows you to schedule calls. To use this feature, follow these steps:

1. Open the Asterisk dialplan configuration file (usually located at /etc/asterisk/extensions.conf).
2. Find the [schedule] context and add a new application. For example:

[schedule]exten => s,1,Set(schedule_time=2023-01-01 10:00:00)exten => s,2,RunAgi(scheduler_call.call)exten => s,3,Hangup()

This configuration sets the schedule time to January 1, 2023, at 10:00 AM and runs the call file “scheduler_call.call”. After the call is completed, the system hangs up.

Using cron jobs

Another method to schedule calls is by using cron jobs. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Open the crontab configuration file for your system (e.g., using the command “crontab -e”).
2. Add a new cron job to run the call file at the desired time. For example:

0 10    /usr/sbin/asterisk -rx "runagischeduler_call.call"

This cron job runs the “scheduler_call.call” file at 10:00 AM every day.

Testing the Scheduled Call

After scheduling the call, it’s essential to test it to ensure that everything works as expected. To test the scheduled call, follow these steps:

1. Check the scheduled time and date to ensure it matches your requirements.
2. Monitor the Asterisk system to see if the call is executed at the scheduled time.
3. Verify that the call is completed successfully and that the desired actions are performed.

Conclusion

Scheduling calls in Asterisk using call files is a powerful way to automate and manage your call handling process. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create and schedule calls efficiently, ensuring that your Asterisk-based system runs smoothly.